Media friends!
Fellow Citizens
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning!
Today, I am here, participating in this media forum with a message of peace and sovereignty, a message that echoes the sentiments of many Filipinos who yearn for a future free from the shadows of foreign intervention in the internal and external affairs of the Philippines. The theme of our gathering today is “No to US BBM War, No to EDCA Bases. United States, Stay Out.”
Our nation, the Philippines, has a rich history marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering spirit of independence. Throughout the centuries, we have fought for our right to self-determination and independence, and we have earned our place as a sovereign nation. In this spirit, we must assert our stand against the presence of foreign military bases on our soil.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, has been a topic of intense debate and concern. While proponents argue that it strengthens our national defense, we must critically assess the broader implications. The establishment of US military bases under EDCA places our country at the forefront of geopolitical tensions that are not of our making. It risks drawing us into conflicts that serve the interests of others, particularly the United States, rather than our own.
We say no to a war that is not ours. We say no to becoming pawns in a geopolitical chess game played by superpowers. Our national security should be grounded in policies prioritizing peace, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations. The presence of foreign military bases undermines our sovereignty and compromises our ability to chart an independent course for our nation.
Our opposition is not rooted in anti-American sentiment but in a firm belief that true security and stability are achieved through peaceful means, not military might. We respect the United States as a friend, but friendship does not mean allowing ourselves to be entangled in their conflicts. True friends respect each other’s sovereignty and work towards common goals without imposing their military presence.
We must remember the lessons of history. Foreign military bases have often brought more harm than good, leading to environmental degradation, social issues, and strained international relations. Our focus should be on building a self-reliant defense and military system, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic development and social justice.
To the leaders of our nation, we urge you to listen to the voices of your people. The path to a secure and prosperous Philippines lies in peace, not war; in sovereignty, not subservience. Let us invest in our own capabilities, strengthen our diplomatic ties, and promote a foreign policy that reflects the true interests of our nation.
To our fellow citizens, your voices matter. Stand up and be heard. Advocate for a Philippines that is free from foreign military bases, a Philippines that stands proudly on its own two feet, a Philippines that is a beacon of peace in a world too often marred by conflict.
In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, independence, and national dignity. Let us say with one voice: No to US BBM War. No to EDCA Bases.
Together, we can build a future that honors our past, secures our present, and promises a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow for generations to come.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Thank you.
Good Morning!
Prof. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy
is a PhD economics candidate at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development in China’s Peking University. She is analyst, director and vice president for external affairs of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI), a Manila-based think tank.
Email: contact@asiancenturyph.com
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